The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s (MME) Public Gardens Department has decided to ban the import, sale and planting of the Conocarpus tree at all local commercial nurseries in the country. The department pointed out the ban has been imposed due to the harmful and destructive effects of the tree on the adjacent plants, buildings, facilities, fences, walls, and service pipes and lines. In addition, the roots of the tree causes breaks in water pipes. Further, MME affirmed that the sale and distribution of the tree will be only through its nurseries, according to the need and after taking the necessary approvals from the departments concerned in the country. PICTURE: www.globalgiving.org